Wigan Athletic have confirmed the appointment of Leam Richardson, Paul Cook’s Latics, Chesterfield and Portsmouth assistant, as their permanent manager on a three-year deal.

Richardson has been in caretaker charge at the DW Stadium for much of this season and has impressed new owners Phoenix 2021 Ltd.

The 41-year-old didn’t rule out joining Cook at Portman Road after his appointment early in March, however, with Wigan hitting run of form - they have won their last four - to move out of the relegation zone, his permanent appointment by the Latics was looking increasingly likely.

Cook will now have to look elsewhere for his assistant having worked with Richardson first of all at Accrington and then with the Spireites, Pompey and Latics.

Currently on his staff are Gary Roberts, who he brought in as first-team coach, along with Matt Gill, who remains from the previous management in the same role.

Blues U23s coach Kieron Dyer has played an increasing role with the senior side since Cook took over, the new manager having been impressed by the former England international's coaching abilities and he may well be in contention.

As previously reported, former Town central defender John McGreal, who played alongside Cook at Tranmere, is a potential candidate, although we understand the former Colchester boss may not be in the running as he is keen on a management job of his own rather than an assistant's position.

Ex-Blues forward Noel Hunt is believed to have been under consideration for a role at Portman Road by Cook, who he played for at Portsmouth and Wigan, ahead of his appointment having previously worked as an assistant manager at Swindon. The Irishman was at last night’s game at Northampton, presumably scouting on behalf of another club.

Commenting on Richardson’s appointment as boss, Wigan chief executive Mal Brannigan told his club’s official site: “In Leam, this club is fortunate to have an excellent coach, a strong leader and most importantly a person full of integrity — we’re delighted he believes in our vision and wants to lead the club into a bright future.

“Many of the staff and players I speak to talk about the inspiration and motivation Leam has provided to them during this challenging period.

“We have all seen that with the belief the new ownership has provided to the whole club, Leam, Gregor, the staff and players have thrived and that’s really encouraging for a strong and stable future for Wigan Athletic.”

Richardson added: “I’m very proud to have been given the opportunity by the new ownership and Mal. I’m very privileged when you know about the history, heritage and fanbase of the club, so it’s not a hard decision to make.

“I think when you know the history, even back to 1995 when Mr Whelan took the club and built the stadium, and you see the players and the world class managers that have come through.

“From my point of view, if I can emulate half of what they’ve done and really give my all for the fans, I’ll be very proud.”

Photos: Reuters/PagePix

RobITFC added 09:40 - Apr 22 @ChrisR Maybe it is because Wigan players want to win and ours don't care ?
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Marinersnose added 09:52 - Apr 22 I'm concerned that Cook hasn't got a reaction from the players but neither did PL. We have a huge squad of players earning such high wages and they've never collectively had a winning mentality. I feel a very good number two is needed if Cook is to succeed. A number two with experience and not an ex player who wants to improve their CV. I like what Cook says and his record is excellent but will the investors trust him with their cash. I think they maybe having a long hard think about it. Our club is in a massive mess and this cannot be sorted quickly. I'm excited for the future but I'm unsure whether Cook will still be here .

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runningout added 10:01 - Apr 22 No need for paranoia. There are no guarantees in this game. The only certainty at Ipswich Town is we have lost our heart. Players are not being honest with themselves as a group!! PC is one of best coaches about, but not a miracle worker
2

juniorblue added 10:06 - Apr 22 This is not the start that PC would have wanted. I think it is a bit harsh to start calling for his head though. Even if the players don't want to raise their game for PC, surely they should be showing other managers what they can do to secure a move away from Town? I think their attitude shows what is wrong, and has been wrong at the club for years. PC has tried the soft and hard approach, neither of which has seen improvement on the pitch. I think this says more about the players than it does about PC. Let's at least allow PC time to build his own team before blaming everything on him. COYB!

2

BCblue47 added 10:15 - Apr 22 Maybe this is just a ploy by Wigan to make money? Offer the interim manager a long term contract and when ITFC come after him they get awarded massive compensation. Whilst he is the temporary manager he can walk away. Sadly it's all about money in football these days.
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Linkboy13 added 10:23 - Apr 22 Massive blow for Cook and the club. So it appears our super stars are not playing for Cook the same ones that didn't play for Lambert and wont start playing until we get Guardiola. How come Cook had so much success at other clubs. Pathetic get rid of the long term failures who have underachieved season after season. I for one will be standing by Cook until at least for one season unlike some of the pea brains on here.

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Orraman added 11:06 - Apr 22 @bettyblue, sorry for downtick - meant to uptick
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Bluespeed225 added 12:19 - Apr 22 Think Burley had 4 assistants in his time here, so don't get your knickers in a twist people.
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Cheshire_Blue added 13:31 - Apr 22 What a sorry mess. Just think where we were when Mick McCarthy was hounded out and where we are now. How many numpties out there think we are better off now than when Mick was at the helm ? I said when Mick left 'time will tell' and it certainly has. The truth hurts.
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ringwoodblue added 13:45 - Apr 22 Don't think it makes sense to sack Cook just cos Richardson isn't going to join him. There is talk of John McGreal as a possible assistant which is worth a try (he's gotta be better than Roberts anyway). Ipswich is no different to any other organisation in that you need every part to be working well to be a success, one weak link and it all start to unravel. At the moment, there are so many weak links, it's difficult to know where to start!

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Dockerblue added 14:17 - Apr 22 Hope the No2 position isn't offered to the current No4! That really would be a backward step. He needs to be shown the way out
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TB42 added 14:42 - Apr 22 It will be interesting to see how the knew owners view this development - accepting Paul COOK was apparently their first choice in any case, was that with the expectation of him working with his former assistant or not? With new owners and more importantly investors, they will doubtless want to see positive results from their purchase and ongoing funding of the club. Whether COOK should or should not be supported will ultimately be a matter for them. However, I very much doubt if the time honoured tradition of giving managers lots of time (HURST excepted) to settle in and get results will apply under the new regime. On a personal note, I do hope COOK is given time and proves to be a positive appointment !!

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Linkboy13 added 15:26 - Apr 22 I think it was possibly a mistake by Cook to bring Roberts in who's a bit inexperienced and might have been more beneficial to have someone from within the club to assist him for the time being.
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istanblue added 19:29 - Apr 22 Kieron Dyer for AM!
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BettyBlue added 07:55 - Apr 23 How do we attract players if can't win against the bottom 4 in League One?? If PC is so great he would realise this and be doing something about our horrendous performances instead of excusing himself.
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